Michigan House Bill HR0043

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/13/25
• Refer: 3/13/25

Caption

A resolution to support the Obergefell decision and to reaffirm the definition of marriage as put forth by the founding principles including the separation of church and state.

Impact

This resolution emphasizes the importance of individual rights in relation to marriage, suggesting that state laws which previously defined marriage as a union exclusively between one man and one woman are no longer viable. The House Resolution calls for Michigan's state constitution to be revised in accordance with Obergefell's affirmation of marriage rights. It is a significant step towards fostering a legal environment that recognizes and protects the rights of all individuals regardless of sexual orientation.

Summary

House Resolution No. 43 is a legislative proposal aimed at supporting the Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage across the United States. The resolution reaffirms the principle that marriage should be defined based on the equal protection and due process clauses outlined in the U.S. Constitution. By endorsing the Obergefell ruling, the bill seeks to align state laws with federal constitutional guarantees and to promote individual liberties as understood by the Framers of the Constitution.

Contention

The introduction of HR0043 may lead to contentious debates among legislators, as it challenges traditional views of marriage held by various religious and cultural groups. Supporters argue that it is necessary for upholding constitutional principles of equality, while opponents may view it as an encroachment on religious beliefs. A particularly notable point of contention is the resolution's insistence on the separation of church and state, which may clash with more conservative legislative perspectives that advocate for the traditional definition of marriage.